Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated newly-elected chairmen and vice chairmen in the 18 local government areas of the state, urging them to replicate his administration’s vision at the grassroots.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new council chairmen on Monday, Aiyedatiwa charged them to focus on people-oriented programs and policies towards the betterment of the people of the state. “I urge you to embrace the now popular mantra of ‘People First’ governance approach, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the needs of our citizens. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for our people.

“Together, we can achieve greatness. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our people deserve. I look forward to working closely with each and every one of you to achieve this noble goal”  The governor urged the new chairmen to hit the ground running without wasting time  saying “The expectations of our people are very high and you cannot afford to disappoint them. To whom much is given, much is expected.

The governor maintained that the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by the state government have come to stay, saying they are a creation of law, to further bring government closer to the people of Ondo State.

He said; “As we embark on this new journey, I invite our newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of local government areas and their teams to join forces with us in driving this well-thought-out policy thrust.

Your leadership will be instrumental in delivering the dividends of good governance at the grassroots level. “Collaboratively, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of our citizens. Let us work together to provide basic amenities, address infrastructure needs, and improve public services. “We envision a future where our local government areas are beacons of development, where our people have access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

“As servant-leaders, you must be prepared to innovate and be driven by a passion for the welfare and prosperity of our people. You must be deliberate about the development of your local government areas. “In discharging your duties, you must ensure collaboration and synergy with the legislative Councils, as well as the career public servants and be accountable to the people in whom sovereignty resides.

Please listen to the voices of your people, to feel their pains and to respond to their needs appropriately” Aiyedatiwa reiterated that; “the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have come to stay”. According to him, “They are a creation of law, to further bring government closer to the people of Ondo State. “We have a collective duty to ensure their survival. At all times, they must enjoy mutual trust and inclusivity from the parent local governments”.

The council chairmen emerged from the local government election held in the state on January 18, 2025. He, however, congratulated the newly elected Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councilors for being found worthy by the good people of Ondo State to be their elected leaders at the local government level. “I congratulate the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen for attaining this noble feat. We pray that your tenure will usher in unprecedented development, peace and progress at the grassroots level,” he added.